60 feared drowned in Yemen after boat disappears

SANAA, Yemen (AP) — The Yemeni government says 60 nationals are feared drowned in the Arabian Sea, after their vessel went missing for days.

In a statement, the internationally recognized government said Tuesday the vessel disappeared some 25 miles (40 kilometers) from the remote Socotra island five days ago. It was heading from the southern province of Hadramawt, carrying women and children among others.

Another statement by the governor of Hadramawt Ahmed ben-Break said that two were rescued and that the search is still ongoing.

The government has urged the Saudi-led coalition — which is backing the government in its fight against the Houthi rebels — for help.

Flights between Yemeni cities and the island were suspended since March 2015 when the Saudi-led coalition began its campaign, by closing the air space of Yemen.